Onana has been out of the Indomitable Lions&apos squad since the World Cup in Qatar where, after a falling out with head coach Rigobert Song, he was sent home early. Since then, the 27-year-old has not been called up for any of Cameroon&aposs AFCON qualifiers in 2023.
But, in a statement on social media, Onana confirmed he was back and looking forward to playing for the national team again. While the Reds are undoubtedly happy this saga he resolved itself, they will be concerned about missing their first-choice goalkeeper and new signing Sofyan Amrabat for a month.
MEN Sport has taken a look at everything you need to know about the games Onana, Amrabat and other United players could miss this season.
Along with the two players mentioned, there are other members of the United squad who could be missing for the tournament. Out-of-favour Eric Bailly and Amad represent the hosts the Ivory Coast while Hannibal Mejbri is a Tunisian international.
The AFCON will take place between January 13 and February 11. This would mean these players will either miss or likely miss the following Premier League games if their country qualifies and they are called up:
On top of these games, the third round of the FA Cup takes place on the weekend of January 6 when players are likely to be with their national teams preparing for the tournament. If United progress to the fourth round, this takes place on the weekend of January 27, midway through AFCON.
If United make it through to the Round of 16 in the Champions League, the first leg could be played on either February 13 or 14, just two days after the final, which should make a player a doubt to return to the squad if they are involved in the showpiece match.
Should the Reds reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, the United representatives at AFCON are likely to miss both legs of this as well.
Of course, if a country is knocked out early, the United players representing them could make a swift return.
Ivory Coast
The host nation has already qualified for AFCON. Bailly has been featuring for them this year as has Amad before he suffered injury in pre-season.
Cameroon
Onana&aposs qualification hangs in the balance, if his team can avoid defeat against Burundi on Tuesday, September 12, they will qualify for the knockout tournament. Lose and they are eliminated.
Morocco
Amrabat&aposs Morocco have also qualified for the tournament with the defensive midfielder a key player for the Atlas Lions.
Tunisia
Hannibal&aposs Tunisia have booked their place in the Ivory Coast too. The youngster is highly rated within his national team and is also likely to be called up.
One of the stand-out kits of the new season, the base colour of the adidas shirt is green with white stripes and maroon lines ensuring United will boast one of the most eye-catching shirts in the game for the 2023/2024 campaign.
